Projects:2019s1-187 Maglev Hovercraft

Project 187 - Magnetic levitation hovercraft

The MagLev Hovercraft project is a collaboration between the EE and Mechanical Engineering students

Team Members

Daniel Peril
Sam Jordan Shanghan Bao

Abstract

Linear induction motors used in some magnetic levitation (maglev) train designs are capable of providing lift and thrust independently. This project aims to create a vehicle capable of traversing over a planar conductive surface rather than being restricted to a track, in some ways similar to a magnetic hovercraft. Potentially, aerodynamic assistance may be used to supplement lift. The challenges include efficient electrical design of the electric machine and the drive electronics, weight minimisation, heat management and control laws.It is proposed that a team of students from the School of Electrical Engineering will work with a team of students from the School of Mechanical Engineering.The electrical engineering students will be involved with the analysis, simulation and construction of the electric machine and the drive electronics. The work will involve electric machine design and analysis, and power electronics circuit design, analysis, simulation and implementation.